Phillis Wheatley passed away.
On December 5, 1784, Phillis Wheatley died, closing a life marked by remarkable literary achievements and significant challenges. Wheatley's death came during a turbulent period for her and her husband, marked by economic struggle and illness. Despite the trials she faced, Wheatley's impact as a pioneering poet and intellectual pioneer continued to resonate long after her death, laying the groundwork for African American and women's engagement in literature and inspiring succeeding generations to challenge societal constraints.